double take

Meaning

An abrupt movement, used, for example, as a comical reaction to a surprising sight, in which someone casually sees something, briefly stops looking at it, realizes what it is, and snaps attention back to it with an expression of surprise or disbelief.

Translations

reagire a scoppio ritardato

reactie

Etymology

From take (“a visible (facial) response to something”) as used in acting, especially in comedy.